What Liquor Has the Lowest Carbohydrates? Your Guide to Zero-Carb Spirits

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that many distilled spirits contain zero carbohydrates per serving? Understanding what liquor has the lowest carbohydrates is key for those following low-carb diets, such as keto, or simply monitoring their sugar intake. The trick lies not in the pure liquor itself, but in being mindful of the mixers and additives used.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are naturally carb-free, making them the ideal choice for a low-carb diet. Mixers are the main source of hidden carbs, so choose sugar-free options to keep your drink low-carb. Dry wines and light beers are also lower in carbohydrates than their traditional counterparts.

Key Points

Zero-Carb Spirits: Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain zero carbohydrates per serving due to the distillation process.
Mixers are the Culprit: The majority of carbs in alcoholic drinks come from sugary mixers like soda, juice, or syrups, not the liquor itself.
Smart Mixer Choices: Use carb-free mixers such as club soda, seltzer water, sugar-free tonic, or a squeeze of fresh citrus to keep your drink low-carb.
Dry Wines are Low-Carb: For wine enthusiasts, dry red and white wines are the best options, with around 3-5 grams of carbs per glass.
Light Beer over Regular: If you prefer beer, opt for a light beer, which contains significantly fewer carbohydrates (2-6g) than a traditional brew (10-15g).
Moderation is Key: Even with low-carb options, excessive alcohol can slow fat burning and add empty calories, so drinking in moderation is essential.
Read Labels: Always check for hidden sugars in flavored liquors, liqueurs, and even mixers to ensure they are genuinely low in carbs.

For anyone managing their carbohydrate intake, understanding the carb content of alcoholic beverages is essential. While many believe alcohol is inherently high in sugar, the truth is that pure distilled spirits contain zero carbs. The vast majority of hidden sugars and carbohydrates come from mixers, flavorings, and sweeteners added after distillation.

The Zero-Carb Champions: Distilled Spirits

When it comes to the question of what liquor has the lowest carbohydrates, the unequivocal answer is pure, unflavored distilled spirits. The distillation process effectively removes fermentable sugars, leaving behind only alcohol and water. This makes them a perfect base for carb-conscious cocktails, provided you choose your mixers carefully. The top zero-carb liquors include:

Vodka: A clean, versatile spirit with zero carbs. It can be mixed with club soda, sugar-free tonic, or a splash of fresh lime or lemon.
Gin: Made from botanicals, unflavored gin is a carb-free spirit. A classic gin and diet tonic is a great low-carb option.
Tequila: Both blanco and añejo varieties of 100% agave tequila have no carbohydrates. Pair it with soda water and a squeeze of lime for a simple, low-carb drink.
Whiskey: Ranging from bourbon to scotch, whiskey contains zero carbs. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a sugar-free soda mixer.
Rum: Unflavored rum is also free of carbohydrates. Be wary of spiced or flavored rums, which often have added sugars.

The Importance of Carb-Free Mixers

Even with a zero-carb spirit, your drink can become a sugar bomb with the wrong mixer. A standard gin and tonic, for example, can have over 16 grams of carbohydrates from regular tonic water. To maintain a low-carb drink, opt for mixers such as:

Club soda or seltzer water
Sugar-free tonic water
Diet soda
Herbal teas or unsweetened iced tea
A squeeze of fresh citrus like lime or lemon

Low-Carb Alternatives: Wine and Beer

For those who prefer not to drink spirits, there are still low-carb alternatives available. However, these options are not zero-carb and should be consumed in moderation to keep your total intake in check.

Dry Wines: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and dry red wines such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon are fermented longer, leaving fewer residual sugars. A typical 5-ounce glass contains around 3–4 grams of carbs. Avoid sweet dessert wines, which are much higher in sugar.
Light Beer: Regular beer is typically high in carbs, but light beer offers a significantly lower-carb alternative. Many popular light beers contain between 2–6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

The Pitfalls: What to Avoid

Several alcoholic beverages are loaded with sugar and should be avoided on a low-carb diet. These include:

Sweet Cocktails: Margaritas, piña coladas, and cosmos often contain sugary syrups, juices, and liqueurs, which can pack 20-30+ grams of carbs per serving.
Regular Beer: Traditional beers, especially craft varieties and stouts, are made with high-carb grains and often contain 10–15 grams of carbs per serving.
Liqueurs and Cordials: These are distilled beverages with added sugar and flavorings. Examples include amaretto, Kahlua, and Triple Sec.
Wine Coolers: Pre-mixed wine coolers and other alcopops are typically very high in sugar and carbs.

Carb Comparison of Alcoholic Drinks


Alcoholic Drink (per standard serving)	Carb Content (grams)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirit (1.5 oz)	0	Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Whiskey, Rum
Dry Wine (5 oz)	3–5	Red or White; fermented to reduce sugar
Light Beer (12 oz)	2–6	Varies by brand; check labels
Regular Beer (12 oz)	10–15	Higher malt sugar content
Sweet Cocktail (8 oz)	20–30+	Mixers and syrups are the culprits
Liqueur (1.5 oz)	5–20+	Added sugars for sweetness

Navigating Alcohol on a Low-Carb Diet

Beyond simply choosing the right liquor, responsible drinking is crucial. Your body prioritizes processing alcohol over burning fat, which can temporarily pause ketosis on a keto diet. This is especially important for those in the early stages of a low-carb eating plan. Staying hydrated and eating a fat-rich meal beforehand can help minimize the impact.

Furthermore, be aware that your alcohol tolerance may decrease on a low-carb or keto diet, so it is advisable to drink in moderation and listen to your body. Excess alcohol consumption, even of low-carb options, can still contribute to weight gain due to its calorie content and potential to stimulate appetite.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey are the top contenders for what liquor has the lowest carbohydrates, boasting a carb count of zero per serving. For wine and beer drinkers, dry wines and light beers offer low-carb alternatives, though they contain a small amount of carbohydrates. The key to keeping your drink low-carb is to avoid sugary mixers and sweet concoctions, and always practice moderation. By making smart choices, you can enjoy an occasional drink without derailing your dietary goals. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes.

Resources

Diet Doctor: Comprehensive guide to low-carb alcohol.
Healthline: A review of the best and worst alcoholic drinks for low-carb diets.

Low-Carb Cocktail Recipes

To help you get started, here are a few simple low-carb cocktail ideas:

Vodka Soda with Lime: The simplest zero-carb cocktail. Combine vodka, club soda, and a fresh lime wedge.
Keto-Friendly Paloma: Mix tequila, a squeeze of grapefruit, and soda water with a pinch of salt for a refreshing twist.
Dry Martini: A classic zero-carb option. Use gin, a hint of dry vermouth, and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest carb liquors are pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey, which all contain zero carbohydrates per serving.

Yes, flavored liquors often contain added sugars and sweeteners, giving them a higher carbohydrate count than their unflavored counterparts. Always check the label before consuming.

Yes, dry wines are a low-carb option. Look for dry reds like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon and dry whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, as they typically have fewer carbs.

The best low-carb mixers are zero-carb options like club soda, diet tonic water, diet soda, and a squeeze of fresh citrus juice like lime or lemon.

On a keto diet, your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which can temporarily pause fat burning. While some low-carb alcohol can be consumed, it's best to do so in moderation, especially early in the diet.

You should avoid sugary cocktails, regular beer, wine coolers, and liqueurs, as they are typically very high in carbohydrates and will negatively impact a low-carb diet.

Even low-carb alcohol contains calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively. Additionally, alcohol can stimulate appetite and increase your risk of other health issues.

Hard seltzers are often a low-carb choice, but their carb and sugar content can vary by brand and flavor. Many brands offer options with 0-2 grams of carbs per can, so it's important to read the label.